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Enamel in Irish (Amáille): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘amáille’ also means: tooth enamel

The Irish for enamel is amáille, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “enamel” in Irish

Irish:
amáille
English:
enamel, tooth enamel
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“uh-MAWL-yuh”  /əˈmˠaːlʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
amáille, na hamáille (e.g. snas na hamáille, the gloss of the enamel)

What does “amáille” mean?

“Amáille” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

enamel
A hard glossy coating fused onto metal, pottery or glass for protection or decoration.Also: enamelling, glaze, vitreous coating.
1 other meaning: tooth enamel
2tooth enamel
The hard white outer layer that covers the teeth.Also: enamel, dental enamel.

“Amáille” with the article

Here is amáille after the article (an t-alt).

an amáille
the enamel
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Amáille” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using amáille, the Irish word for enamel.

Tá amáille ar an bhfiacail sin fós.
That tooth still has enamel on it.
Bhí an amáille briste ar an mbáisín.
The enamel on the basin was chipped.
Cosnaíonn an amáille na fiacla ó lobhadh.
Enamel protects the teeth from decay.
Is maith liom dath gorm na hamáille.
I like the blue colour of the enamel.
Ceannaíodh pota amáille sa siopa inné.
An enamel pot was bought in the shop yesterday.
Rinne sí bróiste as amáille agus airgead.
She made a brooch from enamel and silver.
Tá an amáille ag caitheamh de mo chuid fiacla.
The enamel is wearing off my teeth.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Enamel in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for enamel?

The Irish for enamel is amáille (pronounced “uh-MAWL-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean tooth enamel.

How do you pronounce amáille in Irish?

Amáille is said like “uh-MAWL-yuh” (IPA /əˈmˠaːlʲə/).

Does amáille have a plural?

No plural form is given for amáille in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does amáille have more than one meaning?

Yes. Amáille can mean enamel or tooth enamel, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does amáille sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an amáille (the enamel), a hamáille (her enamel), a n-amáille (their enamel).

How do I say 'an enamel mug' in Irish?

Use the genitive after the noun: muga amáille, just as you would say pota amáille for an enamel pot.

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